Dhaka:Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the demands of garment workers by setting a minimum wage that enhances their living standards. He warned against any efforts to destabilize the ready-made garment (RMG) sector through instigation and disorder.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister assured that the government is earnestly working to improve garment workers' living standards. A wage board has been established to determine a minimum wage, and its activities are already underway. He stressed that there is no room for creating fresh unrest in the current circumstances.
The minister's comments were made during a press briefing after a meeting on shrimp enclosures at the Ministry of Land's conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat. He highlighted that the government had initiated discussions with leaders of the BGMEA, BKMEA, and labor organizations to address workers' demands.
He indicated that almost all relevant labor leaders had been consulted, and the discussions were encouraging. The wage determination process will proceed through negotiations between workers' and employers' representatives at the wage board. The government will urge the board to set a fair minimum wage that benefits workers and improves their living standards, considering their cost of living.
Regarding the closure of some garment factories and workers' demonstrations, Salahuddin stated that the government would take steps to reopen these factories promptly. He cautioned against any attempts to provoke workers or disrupt industrial activities for political purposes.
The minister further noted that some groups might try to exploit workers' grievances to create instability in the industrial sector and that the government would firmly address such activities. He mentioned that intelligence efforts and law enforcement operations would be strengthened to prevent exploitation of the situation.
Salahuddin reiterated the government's dedication to protecting workers' interests, improving their living standards, and ensuring uninterrupted industrial production. He added that while legitimate demands would be addressed, any actions to disrupt the RMG sector would result in legal consequences.